Media release – United Firefighters Union, 21 July 2023
TFS and SES volunteers and employees rally around the state
“TFS and SES volunteers and employees will rally in Ulverstone, Launceston and Hobart to highlight concerns about the ongoing Fire Service Act Review.
“These rallies are being jointly run by the United Firefighters Union, the Tasmanian Volunteer Fire Brigades Association, the Tasmanian Retained Volunteer Firefighters Association, and the Tasmanian State Emergency Service Volunteer Association.
“We all agree that there is a need for reform, but these reforms need to be done properly if they are going to improve the ability of our members to serve local Tasmanian communities.
“The Minister has failed to deliver on his commitments to provide more information about the changes he is proposing, and we’re concerned about what the Minister is hiding.
The above quotes are attributable to Stephen McCallum, Industrial Organiser, United Firefighters Union of Australia, Tasmania.
Media release – Michelle O’Byrne MP, Shadow Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, 21 July 2023
Minister Ellis, the Minister for chaos
The minority Liberal government must provide the Tasmanian Fire Service and SES with a contemporary and sustainable model that reflects the needs of a modern fire and rescue service.
Police, Fire and Emergency Management Minister Felix Ellis has a golden opportunity to positively set the future direction of community safety in the state.
Instead, Minister Ellis has eroded any goodwill he may have had, creating an environment where morale is at an all-time low and there is a complicated chain of command.
What are Minister Ellis’ real intentions? He needs to lay his cards on the table.
There is agreement that reform is needed, but these reforms need to be done properly and should improve the ability and agility of our firefighters and emergency service workers.
The Minister could do this by ensuring independence of the State Fire Commission so that our dedicated workers can protect lives, properties and the environment.
Minister Ellis could also provide our workers with a clear operational chain of command that allows for a direct reporting line straight to him instead of through the Commissioner of Police.
Understandably, our career and volunteer firefighters are frustrated that Minister Ellis has actively chosen not to listen to this suggestion.
Everything this Minister touches, be it the Fire Service, forestry contracts or Keystone Tasmania ends in chaos.
The Minister needs to understand the ramifications of his actions instead of pushing his way through like a wrecking ball.
